US Lifts Nationwide Capacity Cuts and Bizjet Restrictions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has lifted its emergency flight-reduction order after staffing-trigger events at air traffic control facilities declined steadily following the end of the federal government shutdown.

The restrictions—implemented November 9—had limited general aviation operations, commercial space launches and visual flight rules. They also mandated an initial 3% capacity cut at 40 major U.S. airports, with the potential to escalate to 10%, in an effort to reduce workload on air traffic controllers who were working unpaid during the 43-day shutdown. In addition, most general aviation operations were banned at 12 major airports.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said rescinding the order “reflects the steady decline in staffing concerns across the National Airspace System and allows us to return to normal operations.”

The FAA also confirmed it is reviewing reports that some carriers may have failed to comply with the mandated capacity reductions. According to Bloomberg, airlines could face penalties of up to USD 75,000 per flight operated above the limits if violations are confirmed.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com